#United States #disaster relief #Oakwood #Mercy Chefs #Wayne-Sanderson

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Partners with Mercy Chefs for Rapid Disaster Relief

In a compelling demonstration of the agility and capacity of its vast production network, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is actively mobilizing its resources to support Mercy Chefs, a non-profit organization renowned for its effective disaster response. The company utilizes its extensive processing facilities to deliver much-needed protein to both disaster-affected individuals and emergency responders across the United States and even to regions beyond its shores.

A Network of Support for Crisis Situations

Natural disasters can leave communities in dire need of essential resources, especially food. Wayne-Sanderson Farms has stepped up magnificently by coordinating the logistics across its processing plants to ensure the rapid delivery of essential food items to Mercy Chefs’ mobile kitchens. These kitchens serve hot, chef-prepared meals to disaster victims, volunteers, and first responders during times of crisis.

Kevin McDaniel, the President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, emphasizes the critical role that timely food distribution plays in recovery efforts. "When communities face the aftermath of a disaster, fast, reliable food distribution is essential to fueling recovery," he shared. By leveraging its nationwide facilities, Wayne-Sanderson Farms can efficiently send high-quality chicken to Mercy Chefs’ operational sites as soon as disasters occur. This proactive support underlines the company’s commitment to assist communities in their most urgent times of need.

Significant Contributions Across the Country

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has already made notable contributions in various regions, aligning its relief efforts with the mission of Mercy Chefs:

• - Flood Relief in Texas Hill Country: The Bryan Complex provided 2,000 pounds of chicken to assist with recovery efforts, building on a previous donation of 5,200 pounds made during similar flooding last year.
• - Tornado Relief in Appleton, Wisconsin: Shortly after a severe tornado, 2,000 pounds of chicken were sent to support feeding initiatives for affected residents and recovery crews.
• - Flood Relief in Weston, West Virginia: In July 2026, two shipments totaling 2,000 pounds were dispatched to help residents and assistance teams amid severe flooding.
• - Support for Firefighters in Pueblo, Colorado: The Palestine Complex delivered 2,000 pounds of chicken to cater to meal preparations for firefighting teams battling nearby blazes.
• - International Relief in Jamaica (Hurricane Melissa): After Hurricane Melissa's devastating impacts in October 2025, the need for food became paramount. Wayne-Sanderson Farms collaborated with Mercy Chefs and Poseidon Forwarding Company to provide 60,000 pounds of chicken and essential infrastructure like refrigerated trailers, resulting in over 60,000 chef-prepared meals being distributed to schools, shelters, and isolated communities in need.
• - Southeast Appalachian Relief (Hurricane Helene): When Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across the Southeast, Wayne-Sanderson Farms supplied vital chicken products to Mercy Chefs' kitchens in affected areas, demonstrating its readiness to respond in times of emergency.

A Shared Vision of Service

Chef Gary LeBlanc, founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs, acknowledges the tremendous impact of partnering with Wayne-Sanderson Farms. “At Mercy Chefs, we believe there is incredible power in showing up for people with a hot meal during some of the hardest days of their lives,” he stated. He expressed gratitude for Wayne-Sanderson Farms' heartfelt contributions and readiness to support relief efforts, highlighting the partnership's significance in feeding communities effectively during disasters.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms: A Leader in the Poultry Industry

As a prominent poultry producer in the United States, Wayne-Sanderson Farms operates multiple processing facilities and has a workforce exceeding 27,000 individuals. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, responsible practices, and a diverse product portfolio that includes brand names like Sanderson Farms and Covington Farms. Their operations span several states, including Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina.

For more information on their initiatives, you can visit WayneSandersonFarms.com.

About Mercy Chefs

Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2006, Mercy Chefs is dedicated to providing high-quality meals to individuals affected by natural disasters. The organization has served over 39 million meals and continues to partner with local ministries to support underserved communities both nationally and worldwide. For their part, Mercy Chefs remains a valuable collaborator for Wayne-Sanderson Farms as they unite efforts to serve those in need during crises.